MBAIAA Newsletter – July 2022
Published on July 25, 2022
Step 7 – “Humbly asked him to remove our shortcomings”
“Certainly no alcoholic, and surely no member of A.A. wants to deprecate material achievement. Nor do we enter into debate with the many who still so passionately cling to the belief that to satisfy our basic natural desires is the main object of life. But we are sure that no class of people in the world ever made a worse mess of trying to live by this formula than alcoholics. For thousands of years we have been demanding more than our share of security, prestige and romance. When we seemed to be succeeding, we drank to dream still greater dreams. When we were frustrated, even in part, we drank for oblivion. Never was there enough of what we thought we wanted.
In all those strivings, so many of them well intentioned, our crippling handicap had been out lack of humility. We had lacked the perspective to see that character – building and spiritual values had to come first, and that material satisfactions were not the purpose of living. Quite characteristically, we had gone all out in confusing the ends with the means. Instead of regarding the satisfaction of our material desires as the means by which we could live and function as human beings, we had taken those satisfactions to be the final end aim of life.”
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions – Page 71
What’s Happening Locally
Monthly Intergroup Birthday Meeting – Saturday, July 30th @ 7:00PM
The Host group for this month’s birthday meeting is The Sunday Discussion. This is an older meeting that is now held in Pacific Grove at 11:00am on Sunday Mornings at the Sally Griffith Center 700 Jewell (right by the beach at Lover’s point). This group began years ago at the Beacon House and, post -pandemic, they are thriving in their new location at the Sally Griffith Center. Plenty of parking, lots of room and a great format! Give this meeting some support – I think you’ll be glad you did. Our speaker will be Mary S. We will have cake & coffee and there will be much to celebrate – TOGETHER! As a reminder, The Birthday Meeting is held in-person at:
- Place: Monterey High School Cafeteria – 101 Herrmann Dr. Monterey CA 93940
- Time: Saturday, July 30th at 7:00PM
Masks are optional. There will be hand sanitizer at each table. It will be wonderful and weird at the same time. Please come and support the fellowship and engage with each other in any way that makes you feel comfortable. You’re encouraged you to celebrate in whatever way makes you comfortable – wear a mask, don’t wear a mask, hug, don’t hug. No judging of others who may or may not do things the way you would like them to. Remember – Principles before Personalities! Kindness, love and celebration will be the order of the day.
The monthly birthday meeting is held on the last Saturday of each month (except for December when the meeting is held along with a holiday banquet ). The first part of the meeting includes a presentation of birthday medallions for those celebrating annual A.A. anniversaries – all are invited to participate. Birthdays are followed by an A.A. speaker who shares for 40 to 45 minutes and the meeting ends about 9pm. Coffee is typically ready no later than 6:30pm. Arrive early for good parking, fellowship, and a great seat!
2nd Annual Alcoholics Anonymous Dog Show – Saturday, September 17th @ 11:00AM
Bring your pooches and celebrate your recovery! Our beloved pets are happy joyous and free about our recovery. Come celebrate with them in a beautiful park setting. We will have a meeting to start off the day – The topic will be what has your recovery meant to your dog! Right after the meeting we’ll have lunch – hot dogs from the grill & biscuits for the dogs! After lunch we’ll have some sort of dog show to honor our pets with ribbons for ALL! Be sure to show us any hidden talents your dog may possess even if he or she is just a really good listener! Be there or Be Square!
- 2nd Annual Alcoholics Anonymous Dog Show
- Place: Oak Newton Park – 500 Newton St, Monterey, CA 93940
- Time: Saturday, September 17th at 11:00AM
News From General Service
Monterey General Service is busy & excited! General Service It is the link in the chain between your AA group and AA as a whole – “We” are Alcoholics Anonymous. If your group does not have a General Service Representative, please consider electing a GSR to provide your group with information pertaining to happenings in AA. The GSR position is a two year commitment – a firm foundation in the Steps and Traditions is very helpful. As a GSR. you are conveying the information, without giving your opinion, to your group. Willingness is the key. Your understanding will grow within these two years. We meet the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at McGowan House, 381 High Street, Monterey or via a digital platform. Please read the pamphlet and, if interested , let your group know you are ready to be of service.
With gratitude and service,
Jessica A.
“I am responsible, when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there, and for that, I am responsible.”
Responsibility Statement
Current IGR Minutes & Financial Reports
A Note From Central Office
Hi everyone! Summer is in full swing and we are excited as we get ready for our 2nd annual Dog Show! This year it will be Saturday September 17th @ 11:00 am at Oak Newton Park in New Monterey. Come help us organize this fun event- it takes many hands to put together a big event like this. Being of service is essential to your sobriety! We are looking forward to making the Dog Show a tradition too. So get involved in the FUN. Step Up!
Look after each other, support each other, and remember that we can’t stay sober alone. Share with others what was so freely given to you.
“Nothing is so bad that a drink won’t make it worse.”
The Best of the Grapevine volume 3